Reflections in Bloomington, MN

Adam Kolker
has proven himself with a number of introspective recordings during his career, and
Reflections
continues in that mode. Starting with a fresh look at
"Soon It's Gonna Rain"
(from the long-running musical The Fantastiks), he improvises an introduction overdubbing on multiple flutes and clarinets, then switches to tenor sax for an explorative duet with guitarist
John Abercrombie
. He interprets the standard
"Nature Boy"
on flute as a spacious duet with vocalist
Judi Silvano
. Back on tenor,
Kolker
's hip treatment of
Thelonious Monk
's
"Let's Call This"
takes on an Afro-Cuban rhythm, including bassist
John Hebert
and drummer
Billy Mintz
. Pianist
Russ Lossing
is added on three songs, including
's emotional, well-named ballad
"Reflection"
and on
Silvano
's rapid-fire scat vehicle
"Boscarob."
Lossing
penned the heartfelt
"Song Along the Way,"
a lovely ballad with a bittersweet air.
Mintz
contributed the inspired
"Flight,"
which sounds improvised on the spot as the trio keeps shifting its focus.
continues to stand apart as an inventive performer, composer, and arranger with his brilliant
. ~ Ken Dryden